Systems and apparatus for expressing multimedia presentations corresponding to print media

ABSTRACT

A media asset system and method is provided comprising a handheld reader having a sensor enabled to detect a discrete coded zone within a visual image, with the reader capable of producing an output signal corresponding to the discrete coded zone. An output device responds to the output signal with an audio output presentation corresponding to the discrete coded zone. Output is responsive to the reader&#39;s selection of output action, and may also be provided for in a video presentation.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/721,569, filed Dec. 20, 2012 which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S.application Ser. No. 13/108,541, filed May 16, 2011, which issued asU.S. Pat. No. 8,336,787 on Dec. 25, 2012, which is a Continuation ofU.S. application Ser. No. 11/842,567, filed Aug. 21, 2007, which issuedas U.S. Pat. No. 7,975,928 on Jul. 12, 2011, which claims priority toU.S. Provisional Application No. 60/897,278, filed Jan. 25, 2007 andU.S. Provisional Application 60/839,331, filed Aug. 22, 2006. Allrecited applications are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety and priority is claimed under all these applications.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates generally to a method for supplementing theinformation available in a print medium by providing access tomulti-media. More particularly, the invention relates to a system whichuses color coded zones in a printed surface to provide a portal tosound, video, web-based or other media. Even more particularly, theinvention relates to the use of a system employing both invisible andvisible printed inks and specific wavelengths of light to activate soundsignals, video, and/or web-based media.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Most printed surfaces are silent and static, i.e., they do not emitsounds or display visual information relating to the objects depicted onthe surface. Examples of such surfaces include the pages of books,magazines, newspapers, board games and displays.

Audiotapes, compact discs and other media can provide an audible versionof the content of books. Computer systems and programs are known toprovide that content on a display. Some computer programs highlightwords as they are read as well as provide an audio version of thecontent being highlighted. Other computer systems and programs allow auser to click on a word or image to provide additional audio and visualinformation relating to the content. These conventional systems,however, are not part of the actual print medium and they lack the lookand feel of the print medium.

Conventional systems also exist that use a scanner or stylus to scan aprinted surface imprinted with a conventional two dimensionalproprietary pattern (i.e. bar code) or applied medallion. These systems,however, are not ideal for printed surfaces because they involvedistracting or unattractive extraneous indicia imprinted in the printedsurface.

Systems that employ optical readers or other types of detectors todetect images, symbols, and barcodes in printed materials are disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 6,722,569. The '569 patent discloses an optical readerthat determines whether a captured image on printed material is a coloror photographic image or a symbol.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,375,075 discloses a symbol image sensor that includesone or more filters which remove or reduce certain wavelengths of lightreflected from the symbol to create color separations at the imagesensor. In the '075 patent, a comparator, such as a microprocessor,programmed general purpose computer, or digital logic circuit candetermine the position and color of the various elements of the symbolbased on the decoded image data produced by the sensor.

Systems have also been developed in which sound data have been encodedinto a printed surface and can be extracted using readers that decodethe encoded information. It is sometimes desirable to encode data,including sound data, onto a reflective print having an image, symbol orbarcode. The sound data, which may be optically readable, providesinformation relating to the image. The sound data may be encoded ontothe print so that it overlays the image, or alternatively, is encoded ina margin surrounding the image on the print. A reader is typicallyprovided which reads the encoded data and emits sound corresponding tothat data. U.S. Pat. No. 5,502,304 discloses systems wherein sound datais imprinted in the form of a machine readable code, such as a barcode,onto a still form reflection print, or, invisible ink is used to form ascanable barcode encoding sound information.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,561,429 discloses an adjustable reader and a method ofreading encoded indicia on an object. The reader includes a detector fordetecting the indicia and an emitter coupled to the detector foremitting a signal encoded by the indicia. The indicia of the prior art,which can be a sound indicia is formed out of an invisible dye. Thesound indicia of the prior art is preferably a dye having specialabsorption in the infrared region or ultraviolet region of the radiationspectrum. Such a dye is selected so that the dye does not absorb orfluoresce light in the human visible spectrum, but which is visible tooptical reading devices capable of illuminating the indicia withinfrared or ultraviolet light. For this purpose, the dye of the priorart may be 4,4″-bis(triazin-2-ylamino)stilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acids;2-(stilben-4-y)naphthotriasoles; or2-(4-phenylstelben-4-yl)benzoxazoles, or other suitable dye.

Other systems which use detectors to detect and trigger the expressionof encoded multimedia content, including sounds, from printed materialinclude those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,556,690. The '690 patentdiscloses a system where data is encoded in an image field on aphotographic print and can be reproduced as sound information.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,094,279 discloses a system and process that usesinfrared dyes to integrate data, in a visually imperceptible form, intoa printed color image. This system allows for encoding of voice or sounddata into a still print and uses an optical reader.

Still other systems employ areas called “active colors” on the print.Active colors are colored areas that can be recognized by a detector anddecoded. U.S. Pat. No. 5,869,828 discloses a color coding system forencoding information on products and other substrates where the colorcode is printed using single intensity colors in specific shapes thatcan be easily read.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,141,441 discloses a technique for decoding message datathat has been encoded into a printed color image made up of small colorregions called signal cells that carry the encoded message.

Printed surfaces can provide more valuable sources of information if theimages can be expressed in audio, visual or other form in addition tothe static image on the surface. For example, children and adults whoare learning how to read could benefit from books and other print mediathat provide information relating to the visual images in sound and/orvideo form. Users who are visually impaired or have a learningdisability could similarly benefit from such a system. Readers who aretrying to learn a foreign language could benefit from a system thatprovides audio output of the print content.

The art has heretofore not provided systems which can express the visualcontent of the printed medium in audio, video or web-based form. Asimple yet comprehensive and unobtrusive system is needed for providingaudio, visual and/or other expressions corresponding to the printcontent.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a surfacehaving visible images thereon with indicia coding for an outputpresentation in audio, visual or other media format and means forreading those indicia to trigger the presentations.

It is a related object of the invention to provide a user-friendly,educational or entertainment tool employing light as a means oftriggering an audio presentation, web-based streaming video or flashmedia presentation, or other media presentations from a printed surfaceto enhance the educational or entertainment value thereof.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a simple,user-friendly system for detecting and triggering media presentation inaudio, web-based streaming video, or flash media format using a portablehandheld device to trigger discrete coded zones encoded in differentportions of the surface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a media asset system which comprises asurface containing a discrete coded zone within a visual imagecorresponding to a predetermined output presentation; a handheld readerwith a sensor enabled to detect the discrete coded zone, wherein thereader is capable of producing an output signal corresponding to thediscrete coded zone; and an audio output device for presenting theoutput signal corresponding to the discrete coded zone. In anotherembodiment, the system further comprises a video output device forpresenting the predetermined output presentation.

In a preferred embodiment, the sensor is enabled to receive a lightsignal from a source, and the system further comprises a memory having aplurality of files, a processor in communication with the sensor, thememory, and the output device, wherein the processor selects from theplurality of files, where a file corresponds to a discrete coded zoneand initiates some predetermined output presentation as prescribed bythe file. Preferably this source contains the discrete coded zone. It isfurther preferred that the sensor is enclosed within a sensor housingconfigured to displace the sensor from the surface so that the sensoreffectively reads light from the surface and curtains off extraneouslight. Preferably, the sensor housing comprises an opening of sufficientsize to read the discrete coded zone. This system further comprises anouter sensing around the sensor housing. This outer housing ispreferably transparent. One or more light sources may be located in aspace between the sensor housing and outer housing. The memory may beremovable from the system.

The discrete coded zone is preferred to be substantially imperceptibleto the human eye. The discrete coded zone may contain a substance thatis essentially invisible to the human eye, and becomes additionallyperceptible by the sensor when illuminated by one or more wavelengths oflight.

In another embodiment, the handheld reader and audio output device areencompassed in a housing. The audio output device may be external to thehandheld reader. The system may further comprise a charger cradle orcable for recharging the handheld reader. The system may also comprise adownload cradle or cable configured to download files for the handheldreader.

In another embodiment, the discrete coded zone corresponds to aninternet address, and the handheld reader is capable of sending to areceiver a wireless signal containing data enabling the internet addressto be accessed and the predetermined output presentation to bepresented. Alternatively, the discrete coded zone may contain textualwords or images and the predetermined output presentation corresponds tothe textual words or images.

The present invention also provides a media asset method for presentinga predetermined output presentation comprising the steps of directing abeam of light at a discrete coded zone, causing the discrete coded zoneto become additionally perceptible to a sensor of a handheld reader;detecting the discrete coded zone using the sensor; selecting apredetermined output presentation corresponding to the discrete codedzone, wherein the predetermined output presentation is stored in amemory; and presenting the predetermined output presentation through anaudio output device in response to the handheld reader's detection ofthe discrete coded zone. This method may further comprise the step ofpresenting the predetermined output presentation through a video outputdevice in response to the detection of the discrete coded zone. Thediscrete coded zone may also contain textual words or images and thepredetermined output presentation corresponds to the textual words orsaid images.

Furthermore, the invention presents a surface including one or morevisible images and one or more discrete coded zones corresponding to aparticular medium of expression, wherein one or more discrete codedzones are capable of reflecting light within the visible spectrum inresponse to a beam of light directed by a handheld reader, and one ormore of the discrete coded zones are within one or more of the visualimages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a printed page of a children's book using the presentinvention depicting visual information and discrete coded zones encodingfor an audio presentation. FIG. 1B depicts a visually colored circlefrom the printed page surrounding a discrete coded zone. FIG. 1C depictsa close-up of a hinged flap from the printed page of a children's bookusing the present invention.

FIG. 2A is an exploded view of a handheld, flashlight-type reader of thepresent invention, for use in triggering output presentations fromdiscrete coded zones on the printed page. FIG. 2B is an assembled viewof the same handheld flashlight-type reader.

FIGS. 3A-F show a further embodiment of the handheld reader depicting astylus detector for use in triggering an output presentation from adiscrete coded zone within a visual image on the printed page. FIG. 3Ais partial view of the handheld reader, showing only the top portion.FIGS. 3B-F show the whole handheld reader in an isometric view, frontview, side view, bottom view, and top view, respectively.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a download station of the presentinvention, used in downloading files to the handheld reader of thepresent invention with a computer.

The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularlypointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of thespecification. The aforementioned figures share constituent elementswith other figures. Therefore, shared constituent elements will bereferred to using the same reference numerals, and an explanationthereof will be omitted. The invention, however, both as to organizationand method of practice, together with the further objects and advantagesthereof, may best be understood by reference to the followingdescription taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is a system for activating audio, web-basedstreaming video, flash animation or other media presentations from avisible surface, e.g., a printed surface. The surface includes one ormore visible images and one or more discrete coded zones which encodefor a particular audio, video or other media presentation. As usedherein the term “visual surface” may include any surface which includesone or more visual representations. Visual surfaces include, withoutlimitation, the pages of print media, game boards, packaging, signs,exhibits or three-dimensional objects.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the printed surfacecontains a plurality of visual images and includes one or more discretecoded zones which encode for a particular sound. Each of those zones aresurrounded by or overlaid with an essentially invisible substance, e.g.,an invisible ink, which becomes additionally perceptible when light isshone upon it. The ink is invisible to the user but can be detected whenlight of a certain wavelength causes it to fluoresce and the fluorescentlight is detected.

The system includes a handheld reader for triggering the presentationwhich comprises a light source and a sensor for detecting lightreflected from one or more discrete coded zones which code for thepresentation. One preferred embodiment of this system includes a soundplayer which plays a sound when light is reflected from a discrete codedzone and is detected by the sensor. In an alternative embodiment of thissystem, the reader detects a discrete coded zone in the printed surfacethat corresponds to an internet address. The handheld reader sends awireless signal to a receiver, such as a computer, to access apredetermined output presentation, such as a particular webpage, flashmedia, or streaming video content. In addition to flash media, thesystem can employ various types of web based media, including, but notlimited to, HTML, XML, databases, JAVA and JAVA applets, Flash and othervector based graphics, rastor graphics, audio, image types including.jpeg and .gif image types, video, documents including .doc and .pdfdocument types, and hypertext markup languages.

The handheld reader may comprise a flashlight-like reader capable ofdirecting a first beam of violet light, followed by a second beam ofwhite light, within the visible spectrum. The first beam serves todetermine whether or not invisible ink is present on the printedsurface. In a preferred embodiment, the first beam generates violetlight of 405 nm which causes the invisible ink to fluoresce and thatfluorescent light is detected. The second beam serves to establish thecolor value of the visible ink printed on the surface. While describedfor convenience as a “flashlight,” the reader of the invention includesany convenient, handheld housing which contains the several componentsof the triggering device.

The handheld reader includes a light sensor for detecting light ofdifferent wavelengths within the visible spectrum. A light sensorfunctions like a color measuring chip, as it detects light fluorescingfrom the invisible ink when that ink is contacted by the beam on theviolet edge of the visible spectrum and it detects light within thevisible spectrum reflected from the discrete coded zones. The handheldreader includes a switch activated by the light sensor when light isdetected. If invisible ink is detected on the surface to be measured, aswitch activates a processor which causes the flashlight to emit thesecond beam of white light. When visible light reflected from thecolored zone is detected, a sound player is activated which plays aparticular audible message encoded in the discrete coded zone.

An inner, opaque, sensor housing curtains off ambient light and containsthe light sensor and sources of light. The sensor housing desirablymakes even contact with the surface of the printed medium. An outerhousing is positioned around the sensor housing to permit the flashlightto be centered on a discrete coded zone. The outer housing desirably hasa circumference such that both the visual image and the discrete codedzone, if any, are encompassed by the outer housing. This arrangementshields the sensor from outside light and avoids a variation orfluctuation in color measurement by the sensor.

The forward part of the flashlight has a first light emitting diode foremitting a first beam of violet light, a second light emitting diode foremitting a second beam of white light and a light detector for detectingwavelengths of light reflected from the discrete coded zone.

The forward part of the flashlight comprises an inner, sensor housingsurrounding the first light emitting diode, the second light emittingdiode and the light detector. The length of the sensor housing is set tospace the light detector at a predetermined distance from the discretecoded zones so that it can accurately measure light reflected from thosezones. Desirably the configuration of the opening of the housing matchesthat of the discrete coded zone so the light detector can detectessentially all of the light reflected by the discrete coded zone atwhich it is directed. The forward part of the flashlight has an outerhousing circumferentially surrounding the sensor housing. The diameterof the outer housing is set so that the outer cone, and the flashlightitself, can be centered on, i.e. registered on a visual image and sothat the visual image and the discrete coded zone contained within thatimage, if any, are both encompassed by the outer housing.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the outer housing may betransparent. This will permit the user to view a message, such as aprinted word, written with invisible ink within the coded zone. The usercan then see and read the information displayed between the inside ofthe transparent outer housing and the outer edge of the opaque sensorhousing. To illuminate these otherwise invisible characters, the forwardpart of the flashlight may have third and fourth light emitting diodeswhich emit violet light. These are located between the inner sensorhousing and the outer housing.

The central part of the flashlight houses a first switch activated by auser. The first switch activates the first or the first, third andfourth light emitting diodes. The sensor housing has a second switchactivated by the sensor when light emanates from the invisible ink andis detected. The switch causes the second light emitting diode to emitwhite light. The back part of the flashlight has a speaker which plays asound coded for by the discrete coded zone when light of a particularwavelength reflected from the discrete coded zone is detected.

FIG. 1A depicts a page of a book for children. The page shown is printedwith several images and several colored circles. The colored circlesencode sounds associated with the images. These sounds are triggered bythe triggering device. Page 100 includes an image of a truck or otherartwork 102, text 110 and visible colored circles 104 printed by atraditional four color (CMYK) process. FIG. 1B depicts a colored circle104 surrounding an annular invisible zone 106 which is printed withinvisible ink. A hinged flap 108 is also present, as shown in FIG. 1C.When the invisible ink is detected, the system for detecting andtriggering a sound from visible circle 104 is activated. A hidden wordmay be printed in invisible ink within the annular invisible zone 106.As shown in FIG. 1C, it contains the printed word “ENGINE”.

The visual images containing the discrete coded zones may be inirregular shapes rather than circles, rectangles or ellipses. Allcolored zones are identified as either active or inactive by thepresence of absence of the invisible ink. The absence of invisible inkwill prevent the sensor from detecting incidental artwork as activecolors which encode a presentation. The primary function of theinvisible ink is error prevention but it also performs the function ofadding hidden messages in the system. The hidden messages areilluminated by the violet LEDs.

FIGS. 2A-B illustrate a flashlight detector for use in readingeducational materials in an exploded view and a side view, respectively.Flashlight 200 includes an outer housing with an outer case 202 and 204and a clear plastic cone 206. It includes battery compartment 208,battery cover 210, battery cover screw 212 and batteries 214.

Flashlight 200 includes an onboard circuit with software to measure thecolor values of the colored areas enclosed in embedded memory module 216inserted into memory module slot 218. Module 216 contains stored audiofiles, memory module contacts 220, an onboard speaker 222 to play aspecific, pre-loaded audio file. Speaker 222 is activated by FMtransmitter 224 and is covered by speaker cap 226.

An LED power switch 228 is activated by the sensor when violet lightfrom the invisible medium, is detected by optical color sensor 230within inner sensor housing 232. The sensor is preferably a Taos 230color sensor, which is a RGB sensor, although an equivalent RGB or CMYKsensor could also be used. LED power switch 228 causes the flashlight toemit light within the visible spectrum from white LED 234 and violet LED236. The system plays a sound coded for by a discrete coded zone in thevisually colored area of FIG. 1B. The sound signal is triggered when aparticular wavelength of light, reflected from the visually coloredarea, is detected and activates switch 228.

Flashlight 200 also includes headphone jack 233 for headphones so thatthe reader can hear the audio signals without disturbing or distractingothers. The device contains USB jack 240.

FIGS. 3A-F illustrate a further embodiment of the invention including astylus detector 300 for use with printed or other materials of theinvention, from different viewpoints. Stylus detector 300 contains LEDscreen 302 where an image can be presented. The stylus contains severalbuttons which allow the user to direct the detector, including a nextchapter button 304, a previous chapter button 306, a next track button308, a previous track button 310 and a play/pause button 312. Stylus 300can emit and detect light of various wavelengths. It emits light throughwhite LED 314 and violet LED 316. It detects light in sensor 318 andsensor housing 320. The stylus detector can be connected to headphonesvia headphone jack 322. The device is encased in contoured housing 324made of plastic or other flexible material.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of a download station 500 used insynchronizing the reader with a computer (not shown). The systemdepicted can detect colors on printed material that correspond to aninternet address containing a predetermined output presentation, such asstreaming flash animation on a web browser. Download cradle base 502contains a well 504 for insertion of the reader or stylus. A USB cable506 connects the base to the USB port of a computer. The system alsoemploys a PCB 508 and a bluetooth wireless receiver 510 for detectingthe signal sent from the reader or stylus after it encodes the hyperlinkthrough wireless transmission. A processor 512 processes the hyperlink.The download cradle includes power conditioner 514 and charging pin 516.While the configuration shown in FIG. 4 depicts a download station witha cradle base designed for insertion of the handheld read, the downloadsystem can alternatively be a cable which connects directly to thehandheld reader.

Embodiments of the invention can be used for educational andentertainment purposes. One embodiment is a book for children 2-8 yearsold which assists in reading or learning a language. The system willenable the user to hear associated sounds and hidden messages encoded inthe printed material that are detected by the reader. The printed pagescontain a layer of invisible ink on and/or surrounding colored zones onthe pages which code for sounds and/or reveal hidden messages, such asthe hidden word illustrated in FIG. 1C.

The books may include discrete circles of solid visible colors on thepages and behind various flaps built into the pages. The circles areprinted in a uniform, solid color, but each circle differs from theothers in color value, and will include a layer of invisible ink onand/or surrounding the circle.

In a preferred embodiment, the layers of invisible ink are printed incircles that are approximately one half of the diameter of the visiblecircles. These smaller invisible ink circles are centered within thecolored circles. Hidden messages can also be printed on the visiblecircles using invisible ink. These are printed between the outer edge ofthe invisible circle and the outer edge of the visible colored circle,as depicted in FIG. 1B.

The invisible ink cannot be seen by the user without the reader but isdetectable with the reader. If the reader detects the presence ofinvisible ink on and/or surrounding a visible colored circle, when thesensor of the reader is placed over the circle, the device will measurethe color value of the visible colored circle. After measuring the colorvalue of the visible circle, the reader will play a corresponding audiofile associated with the color that has been measured. All audio filesare stored on the flash memory chip installed in the reader prior tooperation. Different flash memory chips can be provided that correspondto the various audio files contained in a particular book.

In one embodiment, when playing the sound file, the device will activatethe additional 405 nm violet LEDs outside the inner tube. This violetlight illuminates the hidden word or text message printed on the coloredcircles. As shown in FIG. 1C, this word may correspond to the visibleartwork on the page, as well as to the sounds that the device playsafter measuring the color value.

When using the device, the user first opens the book and looks at thepage. The user identifies a colored circle printed on the page. The userthen places the reader onto the center of the circle so that the innersensor housing is placed in direct contact with the colored circle. Amanually operated switch built into the face of the reader activates a405 nm violet LED in the sensor. If invisible ink is present on thesurface at which the reader is directed, the invisible ink willfluoresce and light from that fluorescence will be detected by the lightdetector. A switch activated by the light detector will turn off the 405nm violet LED inside the sensor and turn on the white LED inside thesensor. The violet LEDs outside the sensor and inside the outer tubewill also be turned on. The color sensor then measures the visible colorvalue of the circle. The detector and an associated processor then playsthe corresponding sound file through the onboard speaker, onboardheadphone jack, or external FM radio via the onboard FM transmitter, asshown in FIGS. 2A-B. The two violet LEDs activated outside the sensorhousing illuminate the hidden word written in the invisible ink.

Once the device has detected the discrete coded zone, the device willplay the sound to completion without interruption, even if the userremoves the reader and sensor to break contact with the surface of theprinted material. However, the reader will release the pressure switchbuilt into the face of the reader if the user moves the reader toanother colored circle and the presence of another discrete coded zoneis detected. The device will cease playing the audio file and willcommence playing a new audio file corresponding to the new coded zone.If no discrete coded zone is detected in the new position, the devicewill continue to play the first audio file to completion withoutinterruption.

In another embodiment, the invention can be used by students and adultsin a modified form, as indicated in FIGS. 3A-F. The modifiedstudent/adult reader shown in FIGS. 3A-F does not include a light conefor revealing hidden messages. However, this reader includes amultipurpose USB computer station, as shown in FIG. 4. The student/adultreader additionally includes a wireless internet hyperlinkingtransmitter that communicates between the device and computer station.This station, shown in FIG. 4, performs three functions. First, itserves to recharge the rechargeable battery inside the reader. Secondly,the download station depicted in FIG. 4 allows for wireless reception ofinternet hyperlink triggers from the reader and communicates thosehyperlink triggers to a computer connected to the internet via USB cableor an equivalent. Finally, the station serves to download newinternet-based audio files into the device in a manner similar to manyMP3 players known in the art.

The student/adult reader, like the child reader, detects colors printedonto the pages of text books or other printed surfaces by detectingcolors of different wavelengths printed on the page. Active colors maybe printed in small (¼″.times.⅝″) rectangles or ellipses. The shapes forthese zones may be used to designate the types of medium to which itlinks, e.g., rectangles may play sounds, ellipses may hyperlink toweb-based media, etc. The rectangles or ellipses can be covered by alayer of invisible ink to enable the device to recognize the colors asactive and/or may be surrounded by a zone of invisible ink. Theinvisible ink may completely or partially overlay the colored zone.

The adult/child reader pulses a 405 nm violet light at the target. Ifinvisible ink is detected, the reader measures the visible lightassociated with the particular coded zone printed on the page. The codedzones may be circles, rectangles or ellipses separated from the imageson the page or may be printed in smaller color patches or included inthe artwork or the text.

The light cone depicted in FIGS. 2A-B is included with the children'sembodiment. The outer housing permits the child to register the readeron the coded zone. The student/adult reader does not include an outerhousing. It can read a coded zone of any shape but the opening in thesensor housing must be large enough and configured so that it caneffectively read the coded zone at which it is directed.

In another embodiment, the invention can be used for entertainmentpurposes such as a board game. The board games are printed in a mannersimilar to books, and can employ either the children's or student/adultversion of the reader. The board games are used like the books and areprinted with both invisible and visible inks that can be detected andmeasured. Hidden messages in a children's version, audio messages andcomputer hyperlinked media in a student/adult version will direct andinform the user of the board game.

Another embodiment of the invention includes multimedia printedexhibits. The exhibits may be designed in concert with either of the tworeaders described. As with the board games, the exhibit is printed inadvance with visible and invisible colors corresponding to specificaudio or web based media.

Another embodiment of the invention includes additional means wherebythe discrete coded zone becomes additionally perceptible. This can beaccomplished by using different substances for the discrete coded zonewhich produce different reactions when illuminated by one or morewavelength of light. These means include, but are not limited to,fluorescence, color shifting, and infrared ink.

What is claimed is:
 1. A media asset system, comprising: a surfacecontaining a discrete coded zone within a visual image, wherein saiddiscrete coded zone corresponds to a predetermined output presentation;a handheld reader having a sensor enabled to detect said discrete codedzone, wherein said reader is capable of producing an output signalcorresponding to said discrete coded zone; an audio output device forpresenting said predetermined output presentation, wherein said audiooutput device is responsive to said output signal corresponding to saiddiscrete coded zone; a memory having a plurality of files; and aprocessor in communication with said sensor, said memory, and saidoutput device, wherein said processor selects from said plurality offiles a file corresponding to said discrete coded zone and initiatessaid predetermined output presentation of said file; and a housingencompassing said handheld reader and said audio output device.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising a video output device forpresenting said predetermined output presentation.
 3. The system ofclaim 1, wherein said discrete coded zone is substantially imperceptibleto the human eye.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein said audio outputdevice is external to said handheld reader.
 5. The system of claim 1,wherein said discrete coded zone contains a substance that isessentially invisible to the human eye, and wherein said substance isadditionally perceptible by said sensor when illuminated by one or morewavelengths of light.
 6. The system of claim 1 further comprising acharger station or cable for recharging said handheld reader.
 7. Thesystem of claim 1 further comprising hardware and software capable oftransmitting and downloading files for said handheld reader.
 8. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein said discrete coded zone corresponds to aninternet address, and said handheld reader is capable of sending to areceiver a signal containing data enabling said internet address to beaccessed and said predetermined output presentation to be presented. 9.The system of claim 1, wherein said discrete coded zone contains atrigger and wherein said predetermined output presentation correspondsto said trigger.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the trigger isselected from the group consisting of machine perceptible colors,symbols, patterns, characters, images, and words.
 11. A method forpresenting a predetermined output presentation comprising the steps of:directing a beam of light at a discrete coded zone, causing saiddiscrete coded zone to become additionally perceptible to a sensor of ahandheld reader; detecting said discrete coded zone using said sensor;correlating said discrete coded zone to a file from a memory having aplurality of files selecting a file from said plurality of filescorresponding to said discrete coded zone; and presenting saidpredetermined output presentation through an audio output device inresponse to said reader's detection of said discrete coded zone.
 12. Themethod of claim 11, further comprising the step of presenting saidpredetermined output presentation to a video output device in responseto said reader's detection of said discrete coded zone.
 13. The methodof claim 11, wherein said discrete coded zone contains a trigger andwherein said predetermined output presentation corresponds to saidtrigger.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the trigger is selectedfrom the group consisting of machine perceptible colors, symbols,patterns, characters, images, and words.